Showtime: 7 must-see art exhibitions this autumn

As summer winds down, art fairs are filling the autumn calendar with a host of events, from one of the oldest Asian art fairs to a visual deep-dive into the nature of water and a European rumination on the Asian diaspora. Amid global economic uncertainties, these fairs remain vital places for exchange among artists, galleries, collectors and the public, where they can appreciate the cultural force of creativity.

1. Frieze Seoul

Taking place at Coex, the Convention and Exhibition Centre in Gangnam, Frieze Seoul is back for its fourth edition, featuring more than 120 galleries from over 30 countries.

The fair, which starts on September 3, spotlights a mix of established and emerging artists across painting, sculpture, installation and performance, with an emphasis on contemporary Asian art from Japan, Thailand, Indonesia, China and Taiwan.

2. Sea Art Festival, Busan, South Korea

Hosted by the Busan Biennale Organising Committee, the Sea Art Festival is back at Dadaepo Beach after six years. Themed “Undercurrents: Waves Walking on the Water”, this year’s festival explores the hidden forces beneath the sea through installations, sculpture, video and performance. It will feature 23 artists (or groups) from around the world, including Chile, Switzerland and Germany; their works will extend beyond the beach to nearby sites that reflect Busan’s rich geological environment.

3. Aichi Triennale, Japan

Held since 2010 in the central Japanese prefecture, the Aichi Triennale 2025 gathers 62 artists from 22 countries, exploring the theme “A Time Between Ashes and Roses”, inspired by Syrian poet Adonis and his observation of the Arab world decimated by war. Under artistic director Hoor Al Qasimi, the festival includes a debut live performance by New York-based Palestinian duo Basel Abbas and Ruanne Abou-Rahme.